University of Oregon - American English Institute

The American English Institute (AEI) is the English language program for the University of Oregon (UO) in Eugene, Oregon. The AEI, founded in 1978, offers an intensive English program to pre-university students, undergraduate and graduate university students. The AEI also offers specially designed short-term programs to meet the special needs of international universities and government and agency-sponsored groups.

Faculty have a wide range of expertise in theoretical and applied linguistics, teacher training, curriculum development, cross-cultural communication and English for special purposes. All faculty have MAs or PhDs in Linguistics/ESL, Education, or related fields and have much international travel and work experience.

CLIMATE & GEOGRAPHY

Eugene, Oregon is a medium-size city of less than 200,000 people. It has an airport that regularly has international connections through San Francisco (California), Seattle (Washington), and Portland (Oregon). Oregon is known for its natural beauty, and Eugene is surrounded by tree-covered mountains with rivers flowing through the center of town. The city has many parks and hiking and bicycle trails. From Eugene, it is a one hour drive to the coast and a one hour drive to good skiing and hiking in the Cascade mountains. Winter temperatures are cool with frequent rain, but snow is very rare in Eugene. Spring and fall temperatures are moderate with some rainfall, and summer is warm and dry.

Eugene is a city of active, friendly people, and there is always something new to explore. It has some characteristics of a much bigger city, such as art galleries, world-class sporting events, museums, a strong music scene, as well as shopping malls. However, it also has a small-town feeling, with street markets and tree-lined streets.

Summer in Eugene usually begins in June/July and can last through early October. Eugene's summers are usually mild with warm days and cool evenings. The rainy season starts from late fall through early spring. It generally snows only up in the mountains outside the city. The lifestyle and clothing in Oregon is very informal – an attitude that suits its multicultural student community very well. Jeans and t-shirts or informal pants or skirts are common among students and even faculty.

APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUESTED

To apply to AEI:

Students interested in applying only to AEI need to apply online. Students have the option to apply for conditional admission later, but will have to pay another application fee (non-refundable).

Once the application process is completed, the will be given to the students.

Quick Links:

Academic requirements for international admission

Information on visa procedures

APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

Fall admission: Deadline mid-July

Winter admission: Deadline mid- to late-October

Spring admission: Deadline mid-January

Summer admission: Deadline early April

SCHOLARSHIPS

The University of Oregon values the diverse experiences, contributions, and perspectives that international students bring to our campus and the learning environment. For years, the AEI has awarded 10 and 15 need-based tuition scholarships through campus and community partnerships. To learn more about UO International scholarship opportunities please visi: (http://international.uoregon.edu/isss/scholarships)

Beginning Fall 2013, AEI is proud to launch a new scholarship program, Opportunity Scholarship for IEP Student (AEI OSIS), for conditionally admitted undergraduates in the Intensive English Program. For more information please visit: http://aei.uoregon.edu/iep/costs/scholarships/OSIS

On joining the IEP, students will first be tested to determine the level of their English skills. IEP offers reading, writing and grammar classes that are separate from speaking and listening classes. This ensures that students will be placed at the right level even if, for example, they are able to read and write well but need work on speaking and listening. The AEI has four terms per year, so students have four chances to be promoted to higher levels. There are also four chances each year to join the IEP. A term lasts for 10 weeks.

The IEP has seven levels:

In the beginning level (E-Prep), students might begin the term knowing only “Hello,” “Goodbye,” and “Thank you” in English.

By Level 3, students start to learn academic English, including reading long passages of articles or books, giving short presentations, and writing academic-style paragraphs in a variety of sentence styles.

By the time students finish level 6 (the highest level), they will have a good understanding of the vocabulary on the Academic Word List, and they will be able to understand and take notes on a lecture by a university professor. A level 6 'graduate' will be able to write complex research papers using very advanced grammar structures, and they will be able to read, understand, and critically evaluate readings used in regular university classes.

Electives offered:

Paper-based TOEFL I

Paper-based TOEFL II

Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) I

Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) II

English Conversation

Academic Vocabulary

Theater and Pronunciation

American Culture

American History

US Business and Economics

Current Events and Debate

CLASS SIZE

Classes are small with just 12 to 18 students per unit, which ensures personal attention for each student. Students attend at least 18 hours of classes per week, but have the option to extend it to 24 hours if they also choose elective classes. Students are usually assigned homework. Outside of class, they can meet with an American tutor, who can help them with their work or just have a conversation.

Students are usually very busy learning English, attending classes, doing homework, and meeting with tutors. However, those who would like even more practice are given full access to the Yamada Language Center, which is equipped with hundreds of language-learning software programs and fully-equipped computer work stations for students’ use.

STUDENT SERVICES

AEI students are also University of Oregon students, so they can use all the facilities and services on campus. They get a UO ID card that entitles them to free city bus service, admission to the UO student recreation center, use of the UO Health Center and UO library system, and a free UO e-mail account.

The AEI provides: orientation services, counseling and academic advising, free tutoring and conversation partners with University students, an activities program with organized trips, assistance with on campus housing placement, host families, a modern language and computer laboratory, and additional language support once admitted to the University. The University of Oregon has over 250 clubs and organizations, and AEI students are eligible to participate in these.

HOUSING

Homestay Opportunities

AEI's Homestay Program places IEP students in the homes of local US families. Living with a family not only gives students a chance to learn about the US culture, but also gives them an excellent opportunity to practice listening to and speaking in English. The host family will generally provide students with meals and a private bedroom. Students get a chance to participate in family life by eating with the host family, having conversations with them, and doing things together. Homestays instill a sense of independence and responsibility in the students.

Students find that when they live with a host family belonging to a different culture and nationality it makes the whole experience interesting, enjoyable and worthwhile.

You can also apply online for homestay accommodation.

Dormitories

The university has both multiple-occupancy and a few single-occupancy dormitory rooms. Dormitories are conveniently located on campus, which makes it easier for students to attend classes and socialize with friends.

Apartments

Students have the option to choose from a range of moderately priced single and family apartments to expensive condominiums. Costs vary according to size, quality, and closeness to the campus. A limited number of UO family apartments are also available.

QUADS

Quads are ideal for friends who would like to share an apartment and still have the privacy of separate rooms. Quads are similar to apartments but each unit consists of four bedrooms and bathrooms and a shared kitchen. Each student has a private bedroom and bathroom, and shares the kitchen with the three other renters. This kind of housing is generally less expensive than separate apartments.

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